COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY (CAT or CT SCAN)

Our CT machine is a Siemens “Emotion” 16 slice scanner

Scan quality is extremely high as the detector collimation is as small as 0.6mm and because the x-ray tube can circle the patient in 0.5 second patient movement is almost completely frozen. We are able to provide CT applications including Virtual Colonoscopy, ECG synchronised protocols, Bone Densitometry and Maxillofacial Orthodontic 3D evaluation

Dr Jocelyn Homer
 

A CT (Computed Tomography) scan is an X-ray examination which is performed by a special scanner that can look at any part of the body in cross sections. The X-ray tube rotates around the area being examined taking X-rays of the body in multiple slices. The data is then fed back into a computer that combines all the information collected and produces images (pictures) that are reported on by our Radiologist to your doctor.

Preparation
Certain abdomen scans require some bowel preparation. If this is the case you will be advised at the time of booking and the preparation will be sent to you along with instructions.

Having Your Scan
You will be asked to change into a gown and remove any jewellery. You must tell the Radiographer if there is any chance you may be pregnant. The CT scanner is a large machine shaped like a doughnut. You will be asked to lie on a narrow bed that moves in and out of the scanner. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the scan.

To get more detailed pictures, scans of certain body organs may require an injection into a vein (usually in the arm) and we will check if you have any allergies before this is given.

During the scan the Radiographer sits behind a glass screen and can hear you and talk to you through a microphone at all times. The scan usually takes 5 - 20 minutes and afterwards the images obtained by your MRI scan are studied by the Radiologist who prepares a report on the findings which are sent directly to your referring doctor.

CT Colonography (Virtual Colonography)
CT colonography (CTC) (sometimes called virtual colonoscopy) is a new method that allows doctors to look at the large bowel (colon) to detect polyps and cancers. Polyps are small growths in the colon that may become cancerous if they are not removed. CTC is a recently developed technique that uses a CT scanner and computer CT software to look inside the body without having to insert a long tube (Conventional Colonoscopy) into the colon or without having to fill the colon with liquid barium (Barium Enema)

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PATIENT INFORMATION REGARDING PREPARATION FOR CT SCANS

There are some procedures that require preparation. You will be advised of these at the time of making your appointment.